Canon 50D Rumors
Canon usually releases a upgrade ever 18 months, but maybe an upgrade to the 40D will come early, this fall.
Here’s one of the most recent rumors on the 50D specs:
- 12.2 Megapixel APS-C sensor
- Single Digic III Processor
- ISO 100-3200 (High 6400)
- 6-8 fps depending on grip
- 3? High Resolution OLED LCD
- Will accept EF and EF-S Lenses
- 11 point AF
- 35 Zone metering
- Viewfinder: 100 percent coverage .95 magnification
- Pop up flash
- New Lithium Ion Battery
- Weather sealing slightly better than 40D
Canon is probably trying to keep up with Nikon’s (and Pentax’s and Sony’s) latest releases.
Granted, some are calling BS on these specs. Others say they’re real. Either way, we’ll know in a few weeks at Photokina 2008.
Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D Preview at DPReview
DPReview has posted a hands on preview of the new 12.2 megapixel Canon Rebel XSi.
As a prelude to our full Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi review we have just posted our hands-on preview of the 450D. This is the latest in line of the popular ‘Digital Rebel series’ of compact digital SLRs and features a twelve megapixel CMOS sensor with Live View and dust reduction. Other headline changes include a 3.0″ LCD monitor, SD/SDHC storage, High ISO noise reduction and a range of other features handed down from the EOS 40D. Our ‘hands-on preview’ articles are essentially the first half of a review which will at least give you a taste for the design and operation of the camera, full review to follow within the next two weeks.
Canon EOS 450D (XSi) sample shots
DPReview has posted some sample photos taken with a production version of this camera, the new Rebel EOS XSi or 450D.
Here is the link.
Canon releases EOS 5D and 30D Firmware updates
Canon has release new firmware versions for Canon EOS 5D and 30D DSLR cameras.
Canon 5D Firmware Version 1.1.1 - Download Here
Canon 30D Firmware Version 1.0.6 - Download Here
The following fixes and improvements have been incorporated for the 5D:
- It now supports high-capacity CF cards.
Previously, when using an 8GB CF card or greater (e.g.,12GB, 16GB), even after initializing the card in the camera, the CF card capacity could not correctly be detected.
This phenomenon has been fixed so that the camera will correctly recognize high-capacity CF cards.
- It allows the latest lens names to be recorded in the Exif information of images taken.
The lens IDs of lenses released after EOS5D are not in the camera; so these lens names could not be recorded in the Exif information of images. The lens IDs for the follwing new lenses are now included, so that the correct lens names will be recorded in the Exif information of images.
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- EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM *1)
- EF 50mm f/1.2L USM *1)
- EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM *2)
- EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM *1)
The correct lens names for the lenses above marked *1) will be recorded in the Exif information of images. The lens marked *2) has been added, if the firmware is version 1.1.0 or later.
- Lenses that are compatible with the Digital Photo Professional 3.2 lens aberration correction function have been added.
More lenses will be supported by the lens aberration correction function of Digital Photo Professional 3.2, Canon’s RAW image viewer/editing software.
Specifically, the four lenses listed in item 2 above have been added.In images taken with these lenses and cameras updated to v1.1.1, the lens aberration correction function can be used.
For other supported lenses, see the user manual for DPP 3.2.
The following fixes and improvements have been incorporated for the 30D.
- It allows the latest lens names to be recorded in the Exif information of images taken.
The lens IDs of lenses released after the EOS30D are not in the camera; so these lens names could not be recorded in the Exif information of images. The Lens IDs for the following new lenses are now included, so that the correct lens names will be recorded in the Exif information of images.
- EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM *1)
- EF 50mm f/1.2L USM *2)
- EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM *2)
- EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM *1)
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (Not sold in Japan) *1)
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II (Not sold in Japan) *1)
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM *1)
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II USM *1)
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS *1)
- EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS *1)
The correct lens names for the lenses marked *1) above will be recorded in the Exif information of images.
Lenses marked *2) are added if the firmware is version 1.0.5 or later.
- Lenses that are compatible with the Digital Photo Professional 3.2 lens aberration correction function have been added.
More lenses will be supported by the lens aberration correction function of Digital Photo Professional 3.2, Canon’s RAW image viewer/editing software.
Specifically, the ten lenses listed in item 1 above have been added. In images taken with these lenses and cameras updated to v1.0.6, the lens aberration correction function can be used.
For other supported lenses, see the user manual for DPP 3.2.
Canon brewing yet another autofocus fix for EOS-1D Mark III?
From engadget:
Unfortunately, details are extraordinarily scant at the moment, but it appears that Canon is readying one more fix for the EOS-1D Mark III, which has been plagued with an autofocus issue for what seems like ages. Apparently, the forthcoming fix — which could involve hardware and / or firmware alterations — will make improvements even over last year’s tweak. Reportedly, the firm’s AF engineers are confident that they have now realized the “root cause” of the problem, hinting that this solution may in fact be the last. Per usual, there’s been no clues handed out as to when users will actually be notified that a fix is available, but we’re sure official word will stream out soon enough if there’s anything to this.
Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 24 January 2008: Canon today launches its latest D-SLR, the EOS 450D. Featuring a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and a new 9-point AF system, the model presents consumers with an unprecedented level of image quality and versatility at this end of the market.
The EOS 450D employs features already proven in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor and a redesigned menu system that enables features such as direct control of Speedlite flash units from the camera LCD. A choice of 13 custom functions allows the photographer to customise the camera to their shooting style.
“The EOS 450D bears the fruits of more than 20 years of ongoing investment into EOS,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “This camera continues Canon’s policy of taking technologies proven in the professional arena and putting them within reach of a wider market of amateur photographers.”
The EOS 450D features:
- 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- 3.5 frames per second
- 3.0” LCD with Live View shooting
- 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point
- Picture Style image processing parameters
- DIGIC III image processor
- Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1
- Compact and Lightweight body
- Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites
The EOS quality advantage
With all key components developed and manufactured in-house, EOS offers photographers a unique quality advantage. The EOS 450D’s specially designed 12.2 Megapixel sensor employs Canon’s high-sensitivity, low-noise CMOS technology to produce richly detailed images with minimal grain. The DIGIC III processor ensures superior image rendering and rapid response times, with an almost instant 0.1 start up. Image data is processed at 14 bits for Delivering a burst rate of 3.5 frames per second, the DIGIC III processor works with the image buffer to handle up to 53 JPEGs (6 in RAW) without interruption.
Built for better photos
The EOS 450D is designed to make photography a fluid experience for photographers of all levels and experience. Housed in a compact body that weighs less than 475 grams, the camera features an improved grip design that provides a natural, ergonomic fit with the user’s hands. A large, bright viewfinder makes image composition clearer and more comfortable. The menu system inherited from professional EOS cameras uses a simplified tab structure that does away with scrolling. It includes a user-defined My Menu tab for instant access to frequently used settings.
Several custom functions are available to optimise the quality of photos captured in a range of situations. Highlight Tone Priority boosts the dynamic range at the highlight end, providing better tonal detail from wedding dresses, cloudy skies and other bright objects. The new Auto Lighting Optimiser corrects brightness and contrast during image processing, while improving skin tones in portraits by ensuring correct exposure for faces. Photographers can also enable additional noise reduction for shots captured at high ISO speeds.
Live View
Available for the first time on a Canon consumer D-SLR, Live View mode makes it easier to shoot from awkward angles, such as ground-level macro shots or when shooting from a tripod. The image from the Live View mode is displayed as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the 3.0” LCD, which is 50% brighter than the screen of the EOS 400D. A grid line display and live histogram can be selected to help with shot composition and exposure. While focusing, the photographer can zoom in on specific details with up to 10x magnification of the image displayed on the LCD screen. Two types of auto focus are available: Quick AF flips the camera mirror momentarily to engage the AF sensor; Live AF uses the image contrast data to focus - a method familiar to anyone upgrading from a compact digital camera.
For studio environments, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.
Other improvements
The EOS 450D complements its headline features with a host of smaller improvements that enhance the photographic experience. The viewfinder now displays all key exposure information including ISO speed. The addition of spot metering (4% of viewfinder) allows for greater control over exposure in tricky lighting conditions. PictBridge functionality has been expanded so that photographers can correct horizons and add picture effects before printing. A new high capacity battery extends shooting time on a single charge to a maximum of 500 shots.
Software
The EOS 450D is supplied with a comprehensive software suite that provides everything the photograph needs to manage and process images. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as Dust Delete Data and Picture Styles. The supplied Picture Style Editor software can be used to create custom Picture Styles for fine control over colour display. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, Image/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Firmware v1.0.6
Canon has released firmware Version 1.0.6 for the EOS-1Ds, which improves the reliability of communication with some CF cards and fixes a phenomenon that occurs in some cases involving color cast and vertical lines appearing in images. The Version 1.0.6 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.5. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.0.6, it is not necessary to update the firmware. You can download this latest firmware version here.
Canon Produces 30 Millionth EOS Camera
Press Release:
TOKYO, December 20, 2007— Canon Inc. today announced the achievement of a new camera-manufacturing milestone as combined production of the company’s EOS-series film and digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras passed the 30-million mark. Additionally, production of EOS Digital-series SLR cameras has passed the 10-million unit threshold.
The achievement coincides with Canon’s 70th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the launch of its EOS line of SLR cameras. Shipment of EOS cameras began in 1987 from Canon Inc.’s Fukushima Plant (now Fukushima Canon Inc.), with production later moving to Canon Inc., Taiwan and the company’s current main production base at Oita Canon Inc. In 1997, the 10th anniversary of the series, production reached 10 million units, and in 2003 it passed the 20-million mark. And now, a mere four years later, Canon reached the 30-million level.
In March of 1987, Canon’s 50th anniversary, the company introduced the EOS 650 AF SLR camera, the first model of the EOS series. The EOS 650 incorporated the world’s first fully electronic mount system, achieving complete electronic control not only between the lens and body but throughout the entire camera system, representing a new generation of AF SLR cameras. Standing for “Electro Optical System” while also carrying the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn, the EOS series marked the dawn of an impressive range of innovative technologies and new heights of technological development.
Designed to realize Canon’s key concepts of high speed and ease-of-use, EOS cameras garnered high acclaim from a wide range of users. In 1989 the company introduced the top-of-the-line EOS-1 professional model, and in 1992 the EOS 5 QD (EOS A2/EOS A2E or EOS 5 in regions outside Japan), equipped with Eye-Controlled Focus, a groundbreaking AF function that allowed users to select a desired focusing point just by looking at it. The following year, in 1993, Canon succeeded in expanding the company’s user base with the compact, lightweight EOS Kiss (EOS Rebel XS or EOS 500).
In 2000, Canon formally ushered in the age of the digital SLR camera with the introduction of the EOS D30, equipped with the company’s proprietary CMOS sensor. In addition to developing in-house such key components as CMOS sensors and the high-performance DIGIC digital image processor, Canon offers an extensive lineup of EF lenses and has launched cameras aiming to fulfill the company’s new key concepts of high speed, ease-of-use, and high image quality.
This year, commemorating the 20th year of the EOS series, Canon has further bolstered its digital SLR camera lineup with the launch of the top-of-the-line EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III, featuring a fully revamped camera system, as well as the EOS 40D, which has won praise from a wide range of users, from first-time SLR camera owners to advanced amateurs.
Canon, through continued technological innovation with the EOS series, and by strengthening its marketing activities to deliver enhanced product quality and services, will continue its efforts to deliver all-around user satisfaction with an even more attractive lineup of products, contributing to new directions in the future of photographic expression.
Canon to announce new DSLR at PMA according to Swedish VP
According to this link (in swedish), Swedish Canon VP Robert Westin says Canon will announce a new DSLR the week of January 24, just before the PMA 08 show, where Canon and all other camera makers announce new products each year.
My money is on a successor to the Canon 5D with a Mark II version, or maybe a Rebel XTi replacement like a 450D or something. They are both at or over the typical 18 month lifespan Canon sticks to.